Health department issues smoke advisory for county

VALLECITO – State officials have issued a health advisory for portions of eastern La Plata County because of smoke being generated by the Vallecito Fire burning in the San Juan National Forest.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says the advisory applies to Durango, Vallecito and Bayfield and is expected to be in effect until at least 4 p.m. today. The young, elderly and people with heart disease or respiratory illness are being asked to stay indoors if the smoke becomes too thick.

The fire was reported Oct. 16 and has burned about 800 acres west of Vallecito Reservoir. Fire managers still are trying to determine the cause of the blaze, which is 25 percent contained.